Xerophyte

Description

Mammillaria hahniana var. giselanaSN|22358]]SN|33167]] is an old variety name described by Neale in 1935. According to the author's description the variety distinguishes by thinner axillary hairs, that do not conceal the green tubercles. These axillary hair are less than 15 mm long and each areola has up to 40 radial spines. However in Mammillaria hahnianaSN|33167]]SN|22358]] the density and length of hair and spines varies considerably also in plants of the same batch. The var. giselana and the standard M. hahniana are undoubtedly very closely related and very similar in many ways, showing but small differences. It is very difficult to discriminate specific characteristics as to justify their varietal separation. The different length of the bristles and the number of radial spines are variable from individual to individual and do not justify the division in varieties. Up to date most authors have dismissed var. giselana as perhaps not worthy of even varietal status, but it still has a value for a collector because they identify plants with particular characters.